Joined the faculty: January 2008
Previous position: Research associate at the University of Texas at Austin

Why I Chose Einstein

I’m a native New Yorker who never
thought I’d come back. But when I came to
Einstein to interview, I was bowled over by
how easily collaborations are set up here,
how doors are open. This environment is
what I envision as the future for medicine and
biomedical science. At least I hope so—it’s
more fun this way.

What I Love About Working Here

I’m more of a technologist, so
I need good biological problems to sink my
teeth into. At Einstein I have constant access
to people who can provide that.

What’s Most Exciting About My Research at the Moment

My lab has been focused mostly on
cancer in terms of human disease. I was talking
with [Assistant Professor of Biochemistry]
David Silver, who suggested that some of
the technologies my lab is developing might
be applicable to diabetes. David introduced
me to Jeff Pessin, the director of Einstein’s
Diabetes Research Center. Now we’re
working
to develop imaging agents for monitoring
beta cell mass, an important diagnostic for
types I and II diabetes. So in less than a year,
I’m working in an area I never thought I’d be
working in, with people who really understand
the fundamentals of the disease.